OneVoice Israel: "Yair, Don't run away from the negotiations: Transferring money to the settlements will halt peace"

TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- OneVoice Israel (OVI) is calling on Minister of Finance MK Yair Lapid to back up his rhetorical support for peace and the two-state solution with action. In the coming days, OVI activists throughout Israel will distribute 100 shekel notes with Lapid's face, calling on him to stop financial transfers for settlement construction. These money transfers are ransom paid to Naftali Bennett and his Habayit Hayehudi party and cost Israelis not only their money but also their future. This ransom money can unravel the negotiations and deny Israelis the chance to live in peace and security with our Palestinian neighbors. Supporting the negotiations and building trust between the Israeli and the Palestinian leadership demands that Israel announce clearly that it will not transfer funds to build new settlements.

Laura Talinovsky, executive director of OneVoice Israel, said, "We are at an important crossroads in reaching what the minister of finance called a 'divorce agreement' from the Palestinians. Minister Lapid must take a clear decision and say that he will not continue the flow of funds to the settlements and that the prospects for the future and confidence of the people of Israel lies in obtaining an agreement. Only a clear statement such as this can lead to real progress in the negotiations. Lapid's supporters in the middle class—and all citizens of Israel deserve—a real chance to live our lives in true security and prosperity. Security, social justice, and economic justice cannot be achieved without a peace agreement."

About OneVoice:

OneVoice is an international grassroots movement that amplifies the voice of mainstream Israelis and Palestinians, empowering them to propel their elected representatives toward the two-state solution. The Movement works to forge consensus for conflict resolution and build a human infrastructure capable of mobilizing the people toward a negotiated, comprehensive and permanent agreement between Israel and Palestine that ends the occupation, ensures security and peace for both sides, and solves all final-status issues in accordance with international law and previous bilateral agreements. The 1967 borders form the basis for the establishment of an independent, viable Palestinian state, with permanent borders and any modifications to be agreed upon by both parties. The Movement recognizes that violence by either side will never be a means to end the conflict.